How to Be Snowplow Driver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 20, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Snowplow drivers are essential for keeping roads safe in winter months. Heavy snowfall can cause roads to become slippery and dangerous for driving, making them a hazard for travel. Snowplow drivers are responsible for clearing the snow from the roads, ensuring that the roads stay clean and safe for drivers.

By doing this, they help to reduce the chances of accidents occurring on the roads due to slippery conditions. Furthermore, they can also help to reduce traffic congestion, as by reducing the amount of snow on the road they ensure that the roads are clear and passable. In addition, snowplow drivers also help to reduce the impact of winter weather on infrastructure, as they ensure that the roads are properly maintained during the winter months.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a valid driver's license. In order to become a snowplow driver, you must have a valid driver's license. Depending on the state or country in which you reside, you may need a commercial drivers license (CDL) in order to operate the snowplow.
Get certified in the operation of snowplow equipment. Most employers require that their snowplow drivers be trained and certified in the operation of snowplow equipment. Certification courses are offered by many organizations, such as the National Avalanche Center, and may include classroom as well as hands-on instruction.
Apply for a job with a snowplow company or your local government. Snowplow companies typically hire snowplow drivers during the winter months to help clear roads and parking lots of snow and ice. You can also check with your local government to see if they are hiring snowplow drivers.
Take a defensive driving course. Defensive driving courses are often required for snowplow drivers. These courses can help provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to safely navigate icy roads and slippery surfaces.
Follow all safety protocols while operating the snowplow. It is important to always follow all safety protocols while operating a snowplow. This includes wearing a seatbelt, avoiding sharp turns, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

Snowplow drivers are essential for safe and efficient winter travel. They clear snow from roads, highways, and other areas of travel, enabling vehicles to pass through safely. By working diligently, snowplow drivers can help to reduce traffic accidents, lessen the need for road closures, and decrease the risk of icy roads.

their efforts can also help to improve journey times and reduce fuel consumption. However, it is important for snowplow drivers to take safety precautions and use proper techniques to ensure their work is carried out safely, effectively, and efficiently. These include being aware of their surroundings, being mindful of the speed limit, and using the right equipment for the task at hand.

Following these steps will help to ensure snowplow drivers can complete their work quickly and safely while minimizing the potential disruption to everyday life.

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Job Description

Operate a snowplow truck to clear snow and ice from public and private roads, driveways, and parking lots.
Inspect the truck before and after each shift to ensure safety and performance standards are met.
Monitor weather conditions, road conditions, and traffic to plan the most efficient route for snow removal operations.
Use salt, sand, and other chemicals to maximize traction and prevent refreezing.
Shovel and/or operate snowblowers to remove snow from sidewalks, steps, and other areas not accessible by truck.
Perform routine maintenance on the truck and related equipment, such as changing oil, checking fluid levels, and inspecting brakes, tires, and lights.
Report any mechanical problems with the truck to the supervisor.
Follow safety protocols and observe traffic regulations while operating the truck.
Keep accurate records of hours worked and services provided.
Assist with other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of snowplow equipment and basic maintenance
Ability to operate snowplow safely and effectively
Understanding of traffic laws and regulations
Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions
Good physical condition to safely maneuver snowplow
Ability to follow directions and communicate clearly
Knowledge of local area roads and traffic patterns
Ability to work long shifts and overnight shifts
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Familiarity with the use of GPS and mapping technologies

Snowplow drivers play a vital role in keeping roads safe during winter months by clearing snow and ice from the roads. The most important skill for a snowplow driver to have is the ability to drive safely and responsibly in hazardous weather conditions. This means that the driver needs to be able to make quick decisions and be alert to changing weather patterns.

They also need to be aware of the size and limitations of their vehicle so that they can safely maneuver around obstacles in their path. Furthermore, snowplow drivers must be knowledgeable about the laws governing snow removal in their area and be able to assess the level of risk involved in any situation. Lastly, snowplow drivers must have excellent communication skills in order to work with other professionals, such as police and emergency medical personnel, in order to ensure the safety of all individuals on or near the road.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What is your experience driving a Snowplow?
How do you handle icy or slippery roads while operating a snowplow?
Have you ever encountered any issues while driving a snowplow?
Are you comfortable with working long shifts in challenging weather conditions?
What safety protocols do you follow while operating a snowplow?
How do you ensure the safety of other drivers and pedestrians while plowing snow?
What experience do you have in using snowplow blades and shovels to clear snow?
Have you ever had to use a snow blower or salt spreader to clear a roadway?
Are you able to troubleshoot any mechanical problems associated with snowplows?
How comfortable are you with working in extreme temperatures and winter storms?

Common Tools in Industry

Snow shovel. Used to clear snow from walkways, driveways, and other areas. (eg: shoveling a driveway)
Snow blower. A machine used to clear large areas of snow quickly and efficiently. (eg: clearing a parking lot)
Snowplow. A vehicle with a plow attached to the front which is used to clear large amounts of snow from roads. (eg: plowing a street)
Ice scraper. Used to scrape ice off of windows and windshields. (eg: scraping ice from a car window)
Salt spreader. A machine used to spread salt on icy surfaces to improve traction. (eg: spreading salt on a sidewalk)
Snow chains. Chains that are attached to the tires of a vehicle for improved traction on snow and ice. (eg: installing snow chains on a truck)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Snow & Ice Data Center
International Snow Plow Association
Snow Plow Drivers International
American Public Works Association
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
National Association of County Engineers
National Association of State Departments of Transportation
International Association of Snowmobile Instructors
Federation of Canadian Snowmobile Clubs
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

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Common Important Terms

Snow Plow. A large vehicle with a heavy metal blade used to clear snow from roads, highways and pathways.
Snow Blower. A machine used to clear snow from roads, pathways and other areas by blowing the snow into piles.
Ice Scraper. A tool used to remove ice from windshields, windows and other surfaces.
Snow Shovel. A tool used to scoop and push snow away from driveways, sidewalks and other areas.
De-Icer. A chemical or liquid used to melt ice on roads, sidewalks and other surfaces.
Salt Spreader. A device used to spread salt or other de-icing materials on roads, sidewalks and other surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Snowplow Driver?

Snowplow Driver is an on-demand delivery service that allows customers to order items from local stores and have them delivered straight to their door.

What kind of items can I order with Snowplow Driver?

Snowplow Driver offers delivery for a wide range of items including groceries, alcohol, pet supplies, household goods, and more.

How much does Snowplow Driver cost?

Snowplow Driver charges a flat rate of $4.99 for delivery, with no minimum order amount.

How long does it take for my order to arrive?

Delivery times vary, but typically orders arrive within 1 to 3 hours.

Does Snowplow Driver deliver to my area?

Snowplow Driver is currently available in over 200 cities across the United States. To check if they deliver in your area, enter your ZIP code on the Snowplow Driver website.